You don't want to take chances with your brakes. While it is an easy thing to take for granted, you need your brakes to be functioning properly if you are going to come to a controlled, safe stop while out on the roads. All vehicle maintenance is important and caring for your brakes is no different. If you pay attention to some of the signs your vehicle may be giving you that indicate it's time for brake service, you may be able to have the work done before a more serious problem develops.
Of course, not everyone is an expert when it comes to car maintenance and repair. So, what do you do if you aren't particularly knowledgeable about cars, but still want to care for your brakes correctly? It's not as hard as it might seem. There are some signs of brake trouble which are simple to spot, as long as you are paying attention.
Feel It in Your Foot
When you press on the brake pedal, what happens? Obviously, the most important thing is that the car comes to a stop. While pressing on the brake, pay attention to the way it feels under your foot. It should feel steady and solid, without much in the way of vibration. If it does vibrate as you press it down, that's a sign that you may be having trouble somewhere in your braking system. Specifically, it could be that your rotors are wearing down and in need of replacement. It easy to ignore this vibrating while just going on about your day to day life, but don't make that mistake. If you have recently begun to feel this vibrating in the brake pedal, or if it has been going on for some time, contact Taylor and Sons Chevrolet for assistance.
It's Getting Noisy
Properly working brakes should not be noisy. If you are regularly getting a squealing sound when press on the brake pedal, it's time for a service visit. There is a relatively good chance that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced if this is the case. When you bring your vehicle in to be serviced by our talented team, we will evaluate the overall condition of your braking system before recommending repairs. It may be that the brake pads are the problem, or it might be that something else in the system is causing trouble. Whatever the case, we'll get down to the bottom of it and get you back on the road with brakes you can trust.
It Takes A While to Stop
This is perhaps one of the easiest issues to spot for the driver who is not familiar with the workings of an automobile. When driving your car around town, pay attention to how quickly it stops in a variety of situations. Does it feel like you are stopping in an appropriate distance, or does your car keep on going even while you are riding the pedal? If it seems that it's taking longer to brake than it did weeks or months ago, the brake system should be inspected. Again here, this could be an issue where brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced.
Won't Hold the Line
As you apply the brakes to bring your vehicle to a controlled stop, does it feel like the car or truck wants to pull to one side of the road or the other? If so, you might have a brake caliper issue. The car shouldn't pull to the side when braking unless there is some form of mechanical issue which is causing trouble. It's important to get to the bottom of the problem so it can be corrected, and you can return to stopping in a straight line as soon as possible.
Do You Smell Smoke?
Needless to say, you shouldn't be smelling smoke when you pull your vehicle to a stop. Many people will first think that something is wrong under the hood when a smoky smell makes its way into the cabin, but that smell may actually be emanating from your brakes. When a caliper gets stuck, it can cause the brake pad to rub constantly against the rotor, leading to an unpleasant odor. If you are experiencing this smell when you drive your vehicle, don't delay in contacting Taylor and Sons Chevrolet. Our team will be happy to diagnose the problem with your vehicle and find a way to correct it promptly.
The Wrong Force
Finally, at our last stop in this discussion of brake system issues, we get to the matter of how much force it takes to engage your brakes. If you drive the same vehicle day after day, you probably have a pretty good understanding of how much effort you need to use in order to push on the pedal and bring the car to a stop. You may not think about it consciously, but you've developed a feel for the pedal as the miles have added up. When something feels off about the way your brakes are working, service is in order.
It's possible for the feel of your brake pedal to change in either direction. It may suddenly feel like you have to push down with all of your might to apply the brakes. Or, it may be that the brake will go all the way down without you needing to push much on it at all. Neither of these situations is a good sign for the condition of your vehicle's braking system.
At Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, we are committed to providing our customers with the best in automotive service and repair. Whether you come to see us in need of brake service or any other kind of automotive maintenance, we'll be happy to help. Our rates are fair, our work is prompt, and our team is friendly. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please contact us at your convenience. Thank you for stopping by!